Orlando Magic: What to watch for after the All-Star Break

Jonathan Isaac’s return

If the rest of the season is about building toward the future and learning something for the 2019 season and beyond, then everything has to center around Jonathan Isaac and his continued growth and development.

Of course, Isaac has not seen the court since Dec. 26 and has only played three games since Nov. 11.

The Magic knew Isaac was a bit of a project. They did not expect him to take the world by storm and win Rookie of the Year. His defensive abilities were well ahead of his offensive abilities. And those bore themselves out in the 15 games Isaac played.

The Magic’s decision to shut Isaac down over his sprained ankle — that seems like it could be much more than that — was done out of an abundance of caution. Isaac is that important and that critical.

That does not mean he has not been working to improve himself or his play. Isaac said he has gained about 10 pounds in muscle working with the Magic’s weight training staff. Adding muscle was definitely something he needed to do considering his slight frame. And Isaac said he feels he is back to where he was before he got hurt.

Of course, it is great to say someone is a weight room champion or looks good in individual drills. But at a certain point, he has to play games and get out on the floor.

Isaac, when healthy, can hold his own on the NBA court. His defensive chops are extremely advanced for a player his age. But he can still improve a lot. Every rookie can.

Getting Isaac on the court is the best way for him to grow. Everyone knows that. And playing him alongside other key future players like Aaron Gordon is also key.

Isaac and Gordon have played just 53 minutes together. That is hardly enough time to draw any conclusions — but here they are: a 96.2 offensive rating and 97.3 defensive rating. Orlando needs to get more information and understand what they have in their rookie.

And just get him out there to begin with.